The 10-year agreement, announced Monday, unlocked the $2.2 billion in federal money that TransLink needs to complete the next phase of its vision to improve transportation in the region – including 27 kilometres of light rail transit in Surrey.

Ottawa had previously promised to cover 40 per cent of project costs for phase two of the 10-year vision, which includes Surrey light rail.

B.C. had pledged to cover another 40 per cent, while TransLink and the region’s mayors would come up with 20 per cent.